Selling a home in San Diego involves more than just preparing and listing the property online. One of the most important decisions homeowners face is when to put their home on the market. In a dynamic real estate environment like San Diego’s—where ocean views, military communities, tech corridors, and tourism all influence demand—timing can significantly affect your sale price, buyer competition, and how long your home sits on the market.
Whether you're planning ahead or considering a move soon, understanding the seasonal trends and local market behavior is key. Below, Tami Fuller & Associates—San Diego’s leading real estate team with over 30 years of experience—breaks down the best times to sell your home and what you should consider before listing.
The San Diego Market at a Glance
Local data shows that while San Diego experiences fewer dramatic swings than other parts of the country, there are still peak periods where demand and competition are strongest—and others when buyers tend to hold off.
Spring: The Top Performing Season
Spring is typically the most active and competitive time to sell a home in San Diego. As the weather warms up and daylight hours increase, buyers are more likely to begin house-hunting in earnest. This season also aligns with job relocations, school planning for the next academic year, and a natural uptick in overall real estate activity.
Advantages of selling in spring:
- More buyer activity and showings
- Strong competition leads to higher sale prices
- Faster sales due to motivated buyers
- Attractive curb appeal thanks to blooming gardens and sunny skies
Summer: A Close Second
Summer remains a busy time for real estate in San Diego, especially for families or professionals trying to complete a move before the new school year begins. Many buyers use summer vacations to tour homes, and relocation activity is high due to military transfers and job changes.
Pros of summer selling:
- Continued strong demand from spring
- Extended daylight hours for open houses and showings
- Outdoor features (pools, patios, decks) show well
- Buyer fatigue can set in by mid-to-late August
- Vacation schedules may delay closing timelines
- Intense heat in inland neighborhoods can affect showings
Fall: Strategic Timing with the Right Approach
Early fall can still be a strong time to sell, especially in San Diego’s urban and coastal neighborhoods. As the heat eases, serious buyers remain active—particularly those who didn’t find the right property over the summer. Many aim to move before the holiday season or year-end tax changes.
Advantages of fall selling:
- Less competition from new listings
- Motivated buyers still in the market
- Ideal weather for home tours
- Slower activity beginning in November
- Shorter days can limit open house windows
- Buyer urgency may wane as holidays approach
Winter: The Underrated Option
Winter is traditionally seen as the “off-season” for home sales, but in San Diego, that trend is more muted. While there are fewer buyers in the market during the holidays, those who are actively searching tend to be highly motivated—such as investors, first-time buyers with year-end bonuses, or those relocating for work.
Reasons to consider winter:
- Less inventory means reduced competition
- Motivated buyers looking for fast closings
- Interest rates tend to be lower during this season
- Homes may take longer to sell
- Buyers may try to negotiate more aggressively
- Holiday scheduling can slow down showings and closing processes
Additional Timing Factors to Consider
1. Market Conditions
2. Your Personal Timeline
3. Property Type
- Condos near downtown San Diego might sell better in early spring when professionals relocate.
- Single-family homes in suburban areas may appeal more to buyers during summer school breaks.
- Beach homes and vacation rentals may attract second-home buyers in early fall or late winter.
4. Renovation Readiness
Sell Smart with San Diego’s Local Experts
With over 30 years of experience, deep local knowledge, and a results-driven approach, Tami and her team are consistently ranked among the top agents in San Diego. From Point Loma to Mission Hills and beyond, they understand the nuances of each neighborhood and how timing impacts sale outcomes.